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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Lucerne 2024
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Cost of Living in Lucerne

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Lucerne helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: CHF 1,500 - 2,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: CHF 1,200 - 1,600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: CHF 2,500 - 3,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: CHF 2,000 - 2,800 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: CHF 8,000 - 12,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: CHF 6,000 - 9,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: CHF 3.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: CHF 70 - 100
  • Taxi starting tariff: CHF 6.00
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: CHF 3.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): CHF 1.50 - 1.70
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): CHF 1.50 - 2.00
  • Bread (500g): CHF 2.00 - 3.00
  • Rice (1 kg): CHF 2.50 - 4.00
  • Eggs (12): CHF 4.00 - 6.00
  • Cheese (1 kg): CHF 15.00 - 25.00
  • Chicken breast (1 kg): CHF 18.00 - 25.00
  • Beef round (1 kg): CHF 30.00 - 45.00
  • Apples (1 kg): CHF 3.00 - 5.00
  • Bananas (1 kg): CHF 2.00 - 3.00
  • Oranges (1 kg): CHF 3.00 - 5.00
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): CHF 3.00 - 5.00
  • Potatoes (1 kg): CHF 1.50 - 3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): CHF 0.80 - 1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): CHF 10.00 - 20.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): CHF 1.50 - 3.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 2.00 - 4.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: CHF 20.00 - 30.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: CHF 60.00 - 100.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's: CHF 12.00 - 15.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): CHF 6.00 - 8.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 5.00 - 8.00
  • Cappuccino: CHF 4.00 - 6.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 3.50 - 4.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 3.00 - 4.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: CHF 150.00 - 250.00 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): CHF 0.30 - 0.50
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): CHF 50.00 - 80.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: CHF 15,000 - 25,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: CHF 20,000 - 35,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: CHF 25,000 - 40,000 per year
  • High school

    Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lucerne

    "Living in Lucerne is generally considered to be quite expensive. The cost of housing is high, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically being significantly more than in other cities. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also costly, as is the price of internet connection.Groceries in Lucerne can be pricey, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs often costing more than in other European cities. Eating out is also expensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costing more than in other cities. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can be quite costly.Public transportation in Lucerne is efficient but can be expensive. A monthly pass is typically pricey, although it is cheaper than a taxi. Gasoline prices are also high.Healthcare in Switzerland is of a high standard but is also expensive. Mandatory health insurance premiums can be high, and there can be additional out-of-pocket costs for certain services.Overall, while the cost of living in Lucerne is high, it is important to note that salaries in Switzerland are also typically higher than in many other countries. This can help to offset the high cost of living," said one expat living in Lucerne.

    Can I live in Lucerne on $1,500 a month?

    "I've been living in Lucerne for a while now, and I can tell you that it's quite challenging to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. The city center and neighborhoods like Tribschen and Hertenstein are quite expensive, so you might want to consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Littau, Reussbühl, or Emmenbrücke. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they have good public transport connections, and you can find cheaper apartments there.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Eating out in Lucerne can be quite expensive, so you'll want to cook most of your meals at home. Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, and try to buy seasonal and local produce to save money. You can also visit the weekly farmers' markets for fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transport or a bike instead of owning a car. A monthly public transport pass costs around CHF 70, which is much cheaper than maintaining a car. Plus, Lucerne is a very bike-friendly city, so you can easily get around on two wheels.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective and prioritize free or low-cost options. There are plenty of beautiful parks, lakes, and hiking trails in and around Lucerne that you can enjoy without spending a dime. You can also take advantage of free or discounted entry to museums and cultural events with a Swiss Pass or a Lucerne Card.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Lucerne is challenging but doable if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transport, and prioritizing low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Lucerne.

    Can I live in Lucerne on $3,500 a month?

    "I've been living in Lucerne for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The city center and areas like Tribschen or Bruch are quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for an apartment in Littau, Reussbühl, or Emmenbrücke. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they're more affordable and still well-connected by public transport.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Eating out in Lucerne can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home most of the time and limiting dining out to special occasions. For groceries, shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and try to buy seasonal and local produce to save some money.As for transportation, the public transport system in Lucerne is excellent, so you won't need a car. A monthly pass for public transport costs around CHF 70, which is much cheaper than maintaining a car. If you need to travel outside of Lucerne, consider using the SBB Supersaver tickets for discounted train fares.When it comes to leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Lucerne. You can enjoy the beautiful parks and lakeside areas, go for hikes in the nearby mountains, or visit the free museums on certain days. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like skiing or attending concerts and events.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Lucerne is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transport, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Lucerne.

    Can I live in Lucerne on $5,000 a month?

    "I've been living in Lucerne for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The city center and areas like Tribschen or Bruch can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Littau, Reussbühl, or Kriens. These areas are still well-connected to the city center by public transportation, but the rent is more affordable.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll need to be more mindful of your spending. Eating out in Lucerne can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. Migros and Coop are the main supermarket chains here, and they often have weekly deals that can help you save on groceries.As for transportation, the public transportation system in Lucerne is excellent, so you won't need a car. A monthly pass for the bus and train within the city will cost you around CHF 70, which is much more affordable than maintaining a car. Plus, you'll be able to save on parking fees, which can be quite expensive in the city center.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be more selective. Going out for drinks or to the movies can be pricey, so I'd recommend looking for free or low-cost events and activities around the city. Lucerne has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a picnic or a walk, and there are often free concerts and events happening throughout the year.In terms of travel, Switzerland is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, so take advantage of the natural beauty around you. Hiking, biking, and skiing are all popular activities here, and you can often find affordable day trips or weekend getaways to nearby destinations like Interlaken, Zermatt, or Lake Geneva.Overall, living in Lucerne on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be more conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment. But with some careful planning and budgeting, you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Swiss city," commented an expat living in Lucerne.

    About the Author

    Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

    Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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